Why Is Trump Obsessed with Greenland—and Ignoring Puerto Rico?

In a political climate where the unexpected has become the norm, President Donald Trump’s recent fixation on Greenland has raised eyebrows around the world. Greenland—a vast, icy landmass that has rarely made global headlines—is suddenly at the center of American political conversation. But why?

Trump has reportedly made several overtures toward acquiring Greenland, despite it being a self-governing territory of Denmark, a U.S. ally. Whether his vision involves statehood or territorial annexation remains unclear. What is clear is that Trump is serious. He’s sent high-profile envoys—Vice President J.D. Vance and even Donald Trump Jr.—to engage with Greenlandic officials and explore possibilities. There’s even talk from the Trump camp about offering Greenlanders a $10,000 annual universal basic income if they join the United States.

This newfound attention stands in stark contrast to the treatment of Puerto Rico—a U.S. territory for over a century. Puerto Ricans are American citizens, yet they lack full political rights. They cannot vote in presidential elections, they have no voting representation in Congress, and their voices continue to be marginalized despite the island’s population exceeding that of several U.S. states, including West Virginia.

Under Trump’s leadership, Puerto Rico has been largely ignored. Not a single special envoy has been dispatched. No ambitious proposals have been offered. No promises made. And yet, Puerto Rican artists like reggaeton superstar Nicky Jam publicly endorsed Trump during his most recent campaign.

The endorsement backfired in embarrassing fashion when Trump introduced Nicky Jam at a rally—mistaking him for a woman and saying, “she’s really hot.” It was a cringeworthy moment that underscored just how little Trump knows—or cares—about Puerto Rico and its people.

So why is Greenland receiving so much attention, while Puerto Rico is left out in the cold? The uncomfortable answer may be rooted in race and language. Greenland, largely white and sparsely populated, seems to fit more easily into Trump’s vision of “America.” Puerto Rico, a vibrant island of Spanish-speaking people of color, doesn’t.

It’s hard to see Trump’s fascination with Greenland and dismissal of Puerto Rico as anything other than a political calculation steeped in bias. Puerto Ricans are used for political gain but offered nothing in return—not even the basic right of representation.

At the end of the day, the question isn’t just why Greenland?—it’s why Puerto Rico is still treated as second-class?